Partnering to conserve Oregon’s water, natural lands, and habitat

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is a key partner in the conservation of Oregon’s natural resources. With the statewide passage of Measure 76 in 2010, a percentage of the state’s lottery revenues was permanently dedicated through OWEB to help Oregonians protect and restore healthy watersheds and natural habitats.

To date, OWEB has awarded over $40 million in land acquisition grants that are leveraged multiple times over, protecting more than 60,000 acres throughout Oregon.

The work of land trusts is central to implementing the state’s conservation goals. Oregon’s investments in land acquisition have led to victories such as the Oregon chub in 2015 becoming the first fish in the nation to be delisted from the Endangered Species Act. These goals are accomplished through voluntary land conservation in partnership with private landowners, land trusts, watershed councils and soil and water conservation districts.